New Start - Announcement of sorts

Okay...so this has been dormant for a while. I do apologize.

I have an announcement to make:

I have decided to discontinue designing actively in the cross stitch world. My "day job" has been a little too consuming and well, the market is very different than it was when I started my endeavor. I thank everyone for their support of my love of colour, thread, and cross stitch! At the end of the month, Norden Crafts will cease to carry my patterns. Hoffman still has a few, but has discontinued my punch needle patterns. In the next few months, I will continue to donate items to dissolve the remainder of my inventory. If you have a question about what I have, please email me.

Going forward, I will be dedicating this blog to my creations...and occasionally offer an on-line downloadable pattern. :) Hint: there are 2 Christmas Cross Stitch Stockings coming soon.

Have a wonderful week!
Paula :)

Christmas is Coming...

Hi...

It seems that the holiday season is approaching... I'm looking forward to decorating and making a few things. Amazing how a year can pass so quickly... I was looking back at all my cross stitch Santas that I display year around. Some where made almost 10 years ago now at a Stitch Away in Oklahoma. I learned about different fibers and stitching beyond the "cross" stitch. It was when my love for sewing started to grow...

Have a lovely Thanksgiving holiday. I am thankful for the influences of so many friends along the way.

Paula

Long time no blog...

Okay...I am here...really...

Here is my son sporting his "braces free" teeth! Love that! (so does he)

I did take time out in November to attend a wedding... Best wishes for a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Speaking of New Year...I do have some information...as you may have noticed or not I have not been doing as much with my business, BIZZI Creations, Inc. After MUCH thought, prayer, and deliberation, I have decided it is best to scale it back. I will still be doing designs from time to time, but I will not be hosting my own booth at trade shows. I love to create and that is not changing... I do have to adjust to the current economic environment. I will still have my "free bee" designs available from time to time...and by request.

Many Blessings,
Paula

Chocolate Butterflies

For my girlfriend's wedding, I made chocolate butterflies to top the cupcakes. Thanks to the book: Hello, Cupcake!

It was a great book...I used the modified cake recipe and it tasted great. It was a fabulous wedding and I was so glad to be able to celebrate their day with them. I am so happy for them!

I also got my hair cut this past week...and love it!

Well, my three kitties are ready for bed...have a lovely week...
Paula :)

Sneak Peek & crash & Burn...

Here it is...the companion piece to "My Chair" called..."My Desk". Isn't she lovely? Cathy did a lovely job stitching her and Stitch Niche in Arlington did a lovely job stretching and framing her. Nice when it all comes together. This is going out to the distributors as I write and also to some shops... If you are interested in this pattern, contact your local Needlework Shop! It is stitched on Picture This Plus cashel chime fabric with DMC floss.

And now to the crash & burn...remember yesterday how I mentioned that we got rain? Well, that is great except when you ride a road bike (bicycle) and you get ran off the road...the mud just grabs your tire and you -well stick, stop, fall...and with clips you are pretty much just riding it down. As fun as that may sound, it can and usually does hurt. It usually happens where there are lots of witnesses. So, my baby was hurt (my bike)...see picture. Lucky for me the only thing that hit the concrete was the corner of my handlebar...now off to get new grips. A little bit of mud, which did not allow for me to insert right foot into right clip the rest of the way... But the bright side is that other than a couple of well placed bruises (no picture or further comment here) I'm fine. Okay, the pride was wounded a little too...but got lots of sympathy from the troops. They are a great group to ride with and yes I just kept smiling. It was a beautiful night and enjoyed it despite the mud and the over agressive rider. I forgave him...

Well, I will leave you with this...Mr. Gray and his comments on the above incident. :)

Happy Stitching!

Paula

There's a mouse on his back!

As promised, a photo of Mr. Gray's back...it so looks like a mouse with a nice long tail, huh?

Have a lovely weekend! We got a nice bit of rain this morning that was so needed. It has been so hot and dry.

Happy Stitching!
Paula :)

I've been Creating

Hi,

Well, my major accomplishment was really finishing my first sock. I am half way done with the second - yes I am at the heel turn!!! I broke 2, yes 2 knitting needles finishing the toe. I guess I was knitting a little tight!!!

Then in the spirit of being green...I decided to make some grocery bags. I just love Valori Wells' fabric! While reading her blog I found her tutorial/pattern for these bags. They are absolutely wonderful, made out of her home decor fabric to give a little more strength, long handles, and a nice rectangular flat bottom - while being completely lined. She calls it her grocery tote! What I love is that when I take them to Whole Foods I get a credit of 10 cents per bag each time I shop! :) Plus, I am not polluting. These bags are so nice and roomy and can really carry the goods! I know because I have packed cartons of milk in them! Plus, they work great in a pinch to put things together to go to the post office. Love that! Thanks Valori! Go check out her stuff, very cool! :)

I'm knitting while watching the olymics. Just wish I didn't have to get up so early in the morning...just want to stay up and watch...and I'm not a big TV watcher...but this is very amazing!

I will leave you with one last picture, my son's cat, Mr. Gray. :He is the son of the Queen, Miss Knickers. The Royalty runs in the family. I will try to get a photo of his back. I swear his white marking on his back resembles a mouse! :)

Happy Stitching!

Paula :)